My experience with Nutti Sámi Siida has been a dream come true. My interest in ecotourism began while I was studying Scandinavian studies, geography and tourism at universities in Germany and Sweden. During my research, I observed that travelers today are ever-more fascinated by the uniqueness and distinctiveness of indigenous cultures, as well as by the often stunning natural environments where these cultures reside.

Every month, we delve into the travel experiences of people in the extended WHL Group network. This month we talk to Kestas Lukoskinas, co-founder of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind, the whl.travel local connection in Vilnius and Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Easter in Lithuania is the second biggest festival after Christmas. To this day, it is a family event that combines both Christian celebration and age-old Lithuanian tradition. According to the old ways, Easter marks the rejuvenation of nature. In years gone by, the festival had a fixed date – on the spring equinox. Around that time the temperature rises above freezing and green starts coming back into the world.

I felt like I was trapped in an uncomfortable elevator-ride-with-the-boss that wouldn’t end. As I impatiently glanced at the handle of the handicapped bathroom stall at Chicago O’Hare airport, my longtime friend Morgan was pumping breast milk into a bottle and chatting about the wonders of childbirth. I was mortified. I tried my best to sound excited, but after our first flight had been canceled, the only thing on my mind was not missing our final shot at getting to Germany in time for our river cruise.

An independent republic in the middle of a city? With its own president, constitution and Independence Day?! Welcome to Užupis, a district of Vilnius Old Town – beloved home for many artists, celebrities, politicians and even religious prophets! Užupis is often compared to Montmartre in Paris, with its citizens, their lifestyle and beliefs all contributing to the cosy neighbourhood feel of Vilnius, the UNESCO-listed capital of Lithuania.